African Leaders Gather in Ethiopia to Elect New AUC Chair  

African heads of state are convening in Ethiopia for the African Union (AU) summit, where they are set to elect a new chairperson for the AU Commission, with candidates from Kenya, Djibouti, and Madagascar vying for the influential post.

The annual summit, which brings together leaders from the continent’s 55 member states, is expected to focus on strengthening economic integration, peace, and security, amid challenges including political instability and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s election follows the end of the four-year term of Moussa Faki Mahamat from Chad, who has overseen key reforms aimed at enhancing the AU’s financial independence and conflict resolution mechanisms.

The race to succeed him has attracted Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato

The contest has sparked intense diplomatic lobbying, as each candidate seeks to secure the backing of regional blocs, which play a pivotal role in the AU’s consensus-driven election process.

Kenya, a leading East African economy, is banking on its diplomatic influence and role in regional peacekeeping missions to bolster Raila’s chances.

Djibouti, strategically located at the Horn of Africa, is highlighting its position as a gateway for global trade, while Madagascar is campaigning on a platform of bridging linguistic and regional divides within the AU.

The AU, founded in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), has over the years been championing for  political stability and economic development across the continent.

Its Commission, headquartered in Addis Ababa, functions as the executive branch, overseeing policy implementation and representing Africa’s interests on the global stage.

Election of the new chairperson comes at a critical time as the AU faces challenges including coups in West Africa, conflicts in the Sahel and Horn of Africa, a war in DRC and economic disruptions.

Leaders are also expected to discuss the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create the world’s largest free trade area by connecting 1.3 billion people across Africa.

The new chairperson will be tasked with steering the AU’s agenda on peace and security, economic integration, and institutional reforms, as the continent navigates geopolitical dynamics and increasing global competition for its resources.

Voting is scheduled for the final day of the summit, with the successful candidate requiring a two-thirds majority. If no candidate achieves this in the first round, subsequent rounds will be held until one emerges victorious.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org